Flagstaff House

Perched on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Flagstaff House Restaurant has always offered the very best dinnertime views in the area. The lights of Boulder become even more spectacular when accompanied by fine food and wine augmented by attentive service. Owned by the Monette family since 1971, the longevity of the Flagstaff House proves that tradition triumphs over trends in the long run…or maybe it's just: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Defying Boulder’s casual-living, vegetarian-noshing image, Flagstaff House continues to serve a fine-dining menu that changes along with the seasons, but manages to retain customer favorites. Colorado flavors dot the menu with buffalo, lamb and trout prepared with flair. With a 160-page wine list (no kidding), this is a wine-lover’s dream with hard-to-find selections and a knowledgeable sommelier to help with entrée-pairing. The restaurant has been honored by Wine Spectator’s Grand Award since 1983, one of the top 10 wine lists in the world embodied in 20,000 bottles. Desserts are classic, including tiramisu, cheesecake and crème brulee.

Flagstaff House tends to be either a celebratory venue or a business writeoff—and good thing, because prices are among the highest in the region. There’s a dress code that’s enforced here, one of maybe a handful in the entire Denver-Boulder corridor, not to mention the entire state of Colorado. “Business casual” attire is expected and if you’re not sure what that means, it’s spelled out with a “not acceptable” list: shorts, t-shirts, athletic attire, tank tops, sweatsuits or jogging suits, plus clothing that is ripped or frayed. Be neat and presentable, and you’ll be diving into your entrée in short order.

What does it all mean? A wish for high standards on both sides of the table.

HelloDenver tip: Like what you’re eating, but you live out of town? Order up from the restaurant’s “culinary creations” list, and you’ll have a Colorado lamb dinner-for-two (or another special entrée) delivered to your door. Go to www.ShopFlagstaffHouse.com. Make sure your credit card has a bountiful limit.

- by Lisa Perry, Boulder Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Lisa Perry

Lisa Perry also writes for Colorado Golf Magazine and is a photojournalist for Blacktie Colorado. She began her career as assistant editor at 5280 Magazine and was a local writer for AOL CityGuide Denver. She holds an education degree from Oklahoma State University and also earned a journalism degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver.